By joshua AMARI’S LEADERSHIP: HOW KOGI NLC IS REWRITING THE WORKERS’ STORY
NEWS COMMENTARY
By Samuel Atuluku, Director of News and Publications, Ministry of Information and Communicationsz
As Kogi State workers mark the 2026 May Day celebration, one name stands out for steady leadership and results — Comrade Gabriel Amari, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kogi State Council.
Success in leadership is measured not by titles but by goals achieved and lives improved. On that score, Comrade Amari’s tenure has brought tangible changes to labour matters in Kogi State.
Since assuming office, he has shown what purposeful leadership looks like. Rather than break with the past, Amari chose continuity and consolidation, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Comrade Onuh Edoka, now Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters. That decision reflects a commitment to sustainable development — a principle every responsive leader should embrace.
From day one, Amari made it clear that collective bargaining, not confrontation, would define his approach. He has consistently stressed that strike action should not be the first option in labour negotiations. Instead, roundtable discussions and dialogue should take precedence. That philosophy has created a calm atmosphere within the State Executive Committee and the State Administrative Council, and fostered a cordial relationship between labour and government.
The records speak for themselves. Under Amari’s watch, Kogi has restored 100 percent salary payment to local government workers, primary school teachers, and pensioners — a feat many once considered impossible. Promotions have been cash-backed up to 2022, while a Memorandum of Understanding for the Health Insurance Scheme has been signed and rolled out for state workers.
Perhaps most significant is the implementation of the ₦72,500 minimum wage across the board. Equally historic is the restoration of leave bonus payments for both state and local government workers and primary school teachers — a benefit previous administrations ignored.
Amari’s administration has also extended health insurance coverage to local government workers, primary school teachers, and pensioners, giving retirees access to affordable healthcare at a time when they need it most.
Beyond negotiations and policy, Amari has added dignity and recognition to labour service. This year’s May Day celebration saw the provision of branded T-shirts and caps for union chairmen, secretaries, and government officials. Past labour leaders and veterans have been honoured with awards, including posthumous recognition, acknowledging their contributions to the movement.
He has also sustained yearly sponsorship of International Women’s Day through the NLC Women Committee, ensuring women in the labour force have a visible platform and sense of belonging.
One innovation that sets Amari apart is the ongoing construction of an NLC Kitchen and Bar within the council premises, now at 90 percent completion — a facility aimed at improving welfare and interaction among members.
Notably, there has been no declared labour dispute under his leadership. That alone underscores his belief that progress comes from engagement, not confrontation.
These achievements have not come in isolation. The role of Comrade Onuh Edoka, Special Adviser on Labour Matters, has been critical in bridging government and labour and ensuring smooth implementation of policies.
The current administration is gradually changing the narrative by putting workers’ welfare at the forefront. It is a clear sign that Kogi’s governance is being shaped by leaders with a labour background who understand the needs of the workforce.
As workers reflect this May Day, their expectations remain high — payment of outstanding leave bonuses, clearing of pending promotions since 2023, improved gratuity payments, and an intra-city transportation system. Above all, there is a growing call for the Ododo administration to initiate a workers’ housing estate, to be named the “Ododo Housing Estate.” Such a legacy project would cement the governor’s place in the history of workers’ welfare in Kogi State.
By all accounts, Comrade Gabriel Amari’s leadership is delivering. With continued synergy between the NLC, the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, and the government, the outlook for Kogi workers is one of improved welfare and a more humane working environment.
This analysis on the leadership prowess of Kogi NLC Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari, was written by Samuel Atuluku, Director of News and Publications, Ministry of Information and Communications, and read from our studios.